Easy Lemon Cream Pie: A Delightful Dessert!

Lemon Cream Pie: A Slice of Sunshine for Busy Moms

Sometimes, the best comfort food comes from unexpected places. For me, this Lemon Cream Pie was born from a desperate need for a bright, cheering dessert on a particularly gloomy day. My kids were bouncing off the walls, the laundry pile was threatening to topple over, and I needed something…anything…to bring a little sunshine into our lives. I found this amazing recipe and gave it a whirl. It was a HUGE win! The creamy lemon filling and the buttery crust worked together like a charm. I immediately knew it would be a comfort food staple for our family. Now, I’m sharing my family’s favorite Lemon Cream Pie recipe because I know we all need some simple comforts. If you’re a busy mom looking for a sanity-saving dessert, I hope this recipe brings a little joy to your kitchen, too.

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s what you need to whip up this sunshine-in-a-pie. Trust me, this Lemon Cream Pie ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity!

• 1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs: You can buy them pre-crushed or crush them yourself.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness to the crust.
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted: Binds the crust together beautifully.
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk: Creates the creamy base for the filling.
• ½ cup lemon juice: Freshly squeezed is best for that bright lemon flavor.
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds an extra layer of lemon goodness.
• ½ cup sour cream: Gives the filling a wonderful tang.
• Optional: Whipped cream for topping: Because everything is better with whipped cream, right?

You can find these simple ingredients at your regular grocery store. This Lemon Cream Pie proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive! My family gets extra comfort when I add a sprinkle of lemon zest on top of the whipped cream, too! It just makes it extra special. Don’t have sour cream? I use plain Greek yogurt for extra comfort in my Lemon Cream Pie – it adds the same tang and creaminess!

Let’s Make it Happen!

Here are the steps for making this Lemon Cream Pie. Don’t worry, it’s easier than you think!

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, let’s get that crust going.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Mix it all together until it’s evenly moistened and resembles wet sand.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate. Make sure it’s nice and even. You can use the bottom of a measuring cup to help press it down firmly.
4. Bake the crust for 8-10 minutes. This will help it set and prevent it from getting soggy. Your kitchen should smell amazing by now!
5. While the crust is baking, let’s make the filling. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, lemon zest, and sour cream.
6. Pour the filling into the baked crust. Spread it evenly.
7. Bake for another 15-20 minutes, or until the filling is set. It should be slightly jiggly in the center.
8. Let the pie cool completely before refrigerating. This is important for the filling to set properly. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Lemon Cream Pie usually takes about 2-3 hours to fully chill. Perfect time to prep tomorrow’s lunch!
9. Once the pie is chilled, top with whipped cream (if desired) and a sprinkle of lemon zest. Slice and serve!

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Lemon Cream Pie – I wouldn’t let it cool enough, and the filling would be too runny! Learn from my experience! Don’t worry if your Lemon Cream Pie looks a little cracked on top. That just means it’s homemade with love! Here’s a Lemon Cream Pie comfort hack that changed our family’s dinnertime: Bake the graham cracker crust a day ahead. It saves time and helps the crust stay extra crisp! While your Lemon Cream Pie is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!

How We Love to Eat This!

This Lemon Cream Pie is such a versatile dessert! My family has all kinds of ways to enjoy it.

The kids devour this comforting Lemon Cream Pie when I serve it with a side of fresh berries. It’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet! This pie is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I also love bringing this Lemon Cream Pie to potlucks or family gatherings. It’s always a hit.

For a fun twist, try adding a layer of fresh raspberries to the bottom of the crust before pouring in the filling. The raspberry-lemon combination is divine! You can also experiment with different crusts, like a shortbread crust or even an Oreo crust. This Lemon Cream Pie reminds me of another family favorite – Creamy Reuben Soup!

If you have any leftover pie (which is rare in my house!), you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s also delicious straight from the fridge on a hot summer day.

My guests are always asking for the recipe. This Easy Lemon Cream Pie is a crowd-pleaser!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are some common questions I get about this Lemon Cream Pie. Don’t be shy, fellow comfort seekers!

• Is this Lemon Cream Pie really filling enough for growing kids? Absolutely! The creamy filling and the graham cracker crust provide a good balance of carbs and fats to keep them satisfied.
• What if my picky eater won’t try this Lemon Cream Pie? Start by letting them help you make it! Kids are often more willing to try things they’ve helped create. You could also offer a small taste with a dollop of whipped cream.
• Can I meal prep this Lemon Cream Pie for busy weeks ahead? Yes! You can make the crust and the filling separately and assemble the pie a day or two in advance. Just be sure to store it in the refrigerator.
• Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh? Fresh lemon juice definitely has a brighter flavor, but bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch. Just be sure to use a good quality brand.
• What if my graham cracker crust is too crumbly? Add a little more melted butter, a tablespoon at a time, until the crumbs stick together when pressed.
• Can I freeze this Lemon Cream Pie? I don’t recommend freezing the entire pie, as the filling can become icy and the crust can get soggy. However, you can freeze individual slices for up to a month.
• Can I make this Lemon Cream Pie without baking? Yes! You can skip the baking altogether and simply chill the pie in the refrigerator until the filling is set. The crust might not be as firm, but it will still be delicious. This method is especially great in the summer when you don’t want to turn on the oven! Sally’s Baking has more on creamy lemon pie!

Final Thoughts:

This Lemon Cream Pie has become a symbol of comfort and joy in our home. It’s a reminder that even on the busiest days, we can create something special and delicious for our families. I hope it brings the same kind of comfort to your family, too!

My Lemon Cream Pie Comfort Hacks:

• Pre-made crusts are your friend: Don’t have time to make a graham cracker crust from scratch? No problem! Use a store-bought crust for a super quick and easy dessert.
• Zest it up: Adding extra lemon zest to the filling really intensifies the lemon flavor.
• Whipped cream dreams: Don’t skimp on the whipped cream! It adds a touch of sweetness and creaminess that perfectly complements the tart lemon filling.

Here are some family-tested variations:

• Lemon Meringue Pie: Top with a fluffy meringue for a classic twist.
• Chocolate Lemon Pie: Add a layer of melted chocolate to the bottom of the crust before adding the filling.
• Strawberry Lemon Pie: Add sliced strawberries to the filling for a fruity twist.

My daughter loves the classic Lemon Cream Pie with extra whipped cream, while my son prefers the chocolate lemon version. My husband is a big fan of the lemon meringue pie! No matter how you make it, I encourage you to make it your own. Add your favorite flavors and ingredients, and don’t be afraid to experiment! Easy Lemon Cream Pie – Southern Bite has some great ideas. The key is to have fun and create something that your family will love. This is a perfect take-a-long for that trip to Halloween Swirl Oreo Cream Cheese Brownies.

I hope this recipe inspires you to create some dinnertime wins in your own kitchen. Remember, you don’t have to be a perfect cook to create delicious and comforting meals for your family. Just a little bit of love and a few simple ingredients can go a long way. Lemon Cream Pie {Fresh & Flavorful} – Celebrating Sweets has a recipe that will make you the star of your family dinner! Happy baking! For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out these Loaded Cream Cheese Halloween Brownies.

Give this satisfying Lemon Cream Pie a try! You’ll be so glad you did!

 
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Lemon Cream Pie

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Pin Recipe

This Lemon Cream Pie is a bright and tangy dessert with a smooth, creamy filling and a buttery crust. Perfect for a refreshing treat any time of year.

• Author: Beatriz
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup lemon juice, fresh
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter. Press into the bottom of a 9-inch pie plate.
3. Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
4. In a large bowl, whisk together sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, sour cream, and lemon zest until smooth.
5. Pour filling into the cooled crust.
6. Chill for at least 2 hours, or until set.
7. In a separate bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar until stiff peaks form.
8. Spread whipped cream over the pie.
9. Garnish with lemon slices, if desired.
10. Serve chilled.

Notes

For a richer flavor, use brown butter in the crust. You can also use a pre-made graham cracker crust to save time.